HAM Radio - VHF or UHF for wheeling?

[MisterE]

Is there a normal band that is used? Or is it just up to the individual group?

I know this is a vague question, but what I'm really trying to figure out is:
If you had to buy a HAM radio that was UHF only or VHF only, which would you buy in order to be most compatible on wheeling trips?


Or maybe another way to phrase it, at a 4x4 event where there are lots of people in attendance, would there generally be more people using UHF or VHF?

I know about CB. I am not asking about CB. I am only wanting to know about HAM radio users.

Thanks!

 

[soonenough]

Typically more people will be on VHF (2m / 144 Mhz) than UHF (70cm / 440 Mhz). That's why there are many radios that are 2m-only, in addition to radios that are 2m/70cm.

Although, if you're in an area where there are a lot of people operating mobile ham radios, it might be preferable to switch to 70cm where it's usually less crowded.

You'll probably get a better answer by posting this in the Comms forum.

 

[mbuckner]

In my opinion only ...

Try to get a dual band .... if you cannot afford it, then
I would go with a 2m rig .......

The are plenty of used radios in good shape for
sale .........

 

[off-roader]

Hmmm... Maybe ask this in the communications forum?? :ylsmoke:

 

[Accrete]

yuppers on the dual band radio. usually there is very little added expense to the radio to have both. It can also come in handy in some situations where you have dual band repeater setup.

 

[rambrush]

Or you can purchase a Tri Band handheld use a quality external antenna and be good to go for most situations.
I use a Icom 706 and a screwdriver HF antenna as a primary and handheld when out and away from the truck.

 

[Ludedude]

VHF is by far the most common; if you must make a "lowest common denominator" choice, that's the answer.

 

[MisterE]

Got it, those were exactly the answers I was looking for.

A dual band radio is about $300 around here from what I have found.

I am buying a 65w VHF radio right now for $120, and maybe in the future will upgrade to a dual band, but this should work for now.

Thanks again and now that I know there is a comms section I will use that in the future, still new on this forum.

Thanks everyone!

 

[spressomon]

Got it, those were exactly the answers I was looking for.

A dual band radio is about $300 around here from what I have found.

I am buying a 65w VHF radio right now for $120, and maybe in the future will upgrade to a dual band, but this should work for now.

Thanks again and now that I know there is a comms section I will use that in the future, still new on this forum.

Thanks everyone!

Just a point for you in case you haven't figured this out already: There are dual band but single display 2m/70cm radios (Icom 208H) and the better (IMO...and I have a 208H) dual band with dual display.

 

[jjohnsonphx]

Hey are you a licensed Ham already? If not you may want to pick up a Ham Radio Study manual so you can get legal. FCC part 47 defines what Ham's can and can not do. For a 2m radio you will only need to get a Technician license. Your local Ham radio store can give you a good suggestions of study material. They can also point you to some Ham clubs in your area to take the test. Also you find a lot of your questions answered by a good study guide.

 

[strider3700]

VHF repeaters are also far more common in most places. Here with a good enough rig you can connect to a 2m repeater from almost anywhere you can get to on the island. 70 cm is much less likely to have a repeater around. my handytalky is a dual 2m, 70cm my next rig for the truck will be a 2m 65+ watt rig unless I find an amazing deal on a dual band.

 

[Borrego60]

Go with a dual band radio if you can not decide.I have a quad band gives you more options.

 

[MisterE]

I picked up a 65 watt 2m yaesu FT-2800M radio for $150.

I am not liscenced yet, been studying and am going to take the test this upcoming Sunday.

Thanks again for all of the help!

 

[jjohnsonphx]

Good luck on the test this weekend.

Most of my friends that have bought a single band radio have opted to replace it with a dual band or a dual band dual receive radio. I would recommend that you get a least a radio that can do 2M VHF and 70cm UHF.

 

[MisterE]

I am buying a 65w VHF radio right now, and maybe in the future will upgrade to a dual band, but this should work for now.

Upgrade will come later on once I learn a bit more.